The "mini-perc" technique of percutaneous nephrolithotomy with a 14-Fr peel-away sheath: 3-year results in 72 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of a "mini-perc" technique of percutaneous nephrolithotomy using a 14-Fr peel-away sheath for the removal of pyelocaliceal stones, and to determine appropriate inclusion criteria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 1999 to June 2002, the medical records and radiographic images of 72 patients who underwent the "mini-perc" technique of percutaneous nephrolithotomy with a 14-Fr peel-away sheath, were reviewed to determine clinical history, stone characteristics, immediate stone free rate, final stone free rate after additional procedures, complications, and hospital stay. We also analyzed the effect of the longest stone diameter, the cumulative longest diameter of stones, the cumulative stone burden, and the stone density on the immediate stone free rate using a Fisher exact test.

RESULTS: The only major complication, arterial bleeding, occurred in a patient with Child A liver cirrhosis and was successfully treated by embolization with coils and a gelatin sponge. The immediate stone free rate was 80.6 %, which was significantly influenced by stone diameter but not stone density. The mean hospital stay after the procedure was 3.97 days.

CONCLUSION: The "mini-perc" technique of percutaneous nephrolithotomy, which uses the 14-Fr peel-away sheath, is a safe and effective modality for treating renal calculi.